Hornblower by C. S. Forester

The Hornblower novels by C.S. Forester are a terrific blend of plot and characterisation. Set during the Napoleonic wars, they are action packed and fast moving but this action also serves to develop the complex character of Horatio Hornblower. Even the historical details about ships don’t get in the way of 10.5 amazing stories (Forester was part way through Hornblower and the Crisis when he died). I now purchase handbags based on whether they have capacity for a Hornblower Omnibus after a handbag died transporting The Young Hornblower. Hardcover omnibus editions are lovely but individual editions and eBooks are more portable! Mr Midshipman Hornblower is the first in the series.